Criminal Offence for Blocking or Harassing People at Places of Worship
Crimes Amendment (Places of Worship) Bill 2025
1st House
2nd House
Law
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
It is a crime to intentionally block or hinder people entering or leaving a place of worship; this carries a maximum penalty of 2 years in prison or 200 penalty units.
It is a crime to harass, intimidate or threaten people entering or leaving a place of worship; this carries a maximum penalty of 2 years in prison or 200 penalty units.
Police can give move-on directions to people at unauthorised protests near places of worship.
These new crimes and police powers do not apply to industrial action or protests at Parliament House.
The Minister must review these laws after two years; a report must be tabled in Parliament within three years.